Black Fell Moss

Downs, Moorland in Westmorland Eden

England

Black Fell Moss

Black Fell Moss is a vast expanse of moorland located in Westmorland, a historic county in the northwest of England. Situated amidst the scenic beauty of the Lake District National Park, it covers an area of approximately 1,000 acres. The moss is characterized by its flat and boggy terrain, with peat deposits and heather dominating the landscape.

The area is known for its unique flora and fauna, providing a haven for various species of birds, including curlews, lapwings, and golden plovers. The surrounding hills and fells offer breathtaking panoramic views, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and walkers.

Black Fell Moss holds historical significance as well. In the past, it was an important source of peat for the local community, who used it as fuel for heating and cooking. The moss also played a vital role in the local economy as a grazing ground for livestock, particularly sheep.

Today, the moss is managed by conservation organizations to preserve its natural beauty and protect its delicate ecosystem. Efforts are made to control erosion and maintain the balance of plant and animal life in the area. The moss serves as an important carbon store, contributing to the fight against climate change.

Visitors to Black Fell Moss can explore the network of footpaths and trails that wind through the moorland, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the peaceful and untouched wilderness. With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning vistas, Black Fell Moss is a true gem for those seeking solace in nature.

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Black Fell Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.386703/-2.3054525 or Grid Reference SD8099. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Little Ing Farm

Anthony Parkes

Moorland below Mallerstang Edge

From where Old Road, a Byway open to all traffic, crosses Elm Gill, an ascent of 180m of a pathless section of the moor leads upwards to the southern end of Mallerstang Edge. This is looking towards the edge from near the start of the climb.

Andy Waddington

Below Rowantree Cove looking across to Wild Boar Fell

Partway up the pathless climb from the easy Old Road (a Byway open to all traffic) to the southern end of Mallerstang Edge, views start to open up across the Eden Valley towards Wild Boar Fell and Swarth Fell.

Andy Waddington

Ravens Nest commands a view over the Eden Valley

A faint path appears as the first rocks are reached south of Ravens Nest at the southern end of Mallerstang Edge when climbed from the Eden Valley - the ascent route below has been pathless, though not too rough, gaining 180m of height in about threequarters of a kilometre to reach this point.

Andy Waddington

Shelter on High Rigg

Whether this was once part of a building is in some doubt. It certainly forms a minimal shelter from the wind now, fine for lunch perhaps, but would make a very uncomfortable bivouac. It seems to mark the start of an increasingly well-defined path on the southern approach to Mallerstang Edge.

Andy Waddington

Cairn on Hangingstone Scar

The map suggests a number of cairns hereabouts, but this rather elegantly-built one was the only one currently in evidence, in an apparently rather random spot on the edge just west of the path along Mallerstang Edge. There are quite a few cairns and piles of stones (the map makes a distinction between these categories, but it is far from clear why) scattered across the plateau, only a small number of which are on summits or other topographic features of note, so perhaps they mark boundaries of some sort.

Andy Waddington

Old Road crosses Elm Gill

Old Road runs from the Thrang right round to the junction of Cotterdale with Wensleydale, a distance of over 11.5 kilometres, with often fine views, but doesn't seem to be anywhere near as popular with off-road drivers and trail bikes as some of the BOATs in the dales. The point where it crosses Elm Gill was the spot where we had chosen (well, the dog didn't actually get a vote) to leave the track to ascend to the southern end of Mallerstang Edge. There don't seem to be any actual paths up the CROW Access Land, so the choice is a little arbitrary, but our route reached the beginnings of a faint path on the ridge in three quarters of a kilometre with 180m of ascent.

Andy Waddington

Hangingstone Scar

David Robinson

Remains of a shelter on High Rigg

David Robinson

Rough track on The Riggs

David Robinson

Hangingstone Scar

Mallerstang Edge.

steven ruffles

Cairn on High Rigg

Heading back downhill.

steven ruffles

Archy Styrigg

A rash of gritstone boulders encountered on the way to Gregory Chapel, one of the high points of Mallerstang Edge. In the background are Wild Boar Fell (right) and Swarth Fell.

Karl and Ali

Cairn on Gregory Chapel (695m)

One of a number of cairns that line the old county boundary between Yorkshire and Westmorland (nowadays Cumbria and North Yorkshire). It is also the current boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Ironically, the mountain in the background - Wild Boar Fell, one of the finest in the Pennines - is outwith the park.

Karl and Ali

Moorland south of Gregory Chapel

South of Gregory Chapel, Archy Styrigg broadens into a wide and gently sloping moorland forming the headwaters of Hellgill Beck. Hugh Seat, the nearest rise, doesn't form much of a landmark, and Great Shunner Fell seems small and distant.

Andy Waddington